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Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Tarot Stories: Keeping Secrets

Doing research for the tarot-reading scene in my book was easy. My source lives with me! I’ve asked my husband, John, to stop by my blog and tell us a little about the tarot.

Hi there…

My name is John, and I’m a professional tarot card reader. It’s a labor of love for me, and I really enjoy helping people. My wife has graciously allowed me the opportunity to guest blog for her. Thanks, Jen!

I’ve been reading cards for almost 21 years now, and I’ve had a professional practice—which means that I take money for readings—for nearly 6 years. I read at a fantastic metaphysical shop in Northern Virginia, 13 Magickal Moons in Occoquan, VA, and I’m blessed to have a devoted, loyal clientele.

Anyway, while I enjoy my work immensely, I have some very interesting tales from reading cards that you may find interesting, funny, or both, with some advice if you ever consult me or another psychic. Please note: All of my readings are confidential, so I will never reveal any names or enough information for you to figure out who the client is. Any tarot reader worth your time and money will also have a code of ethics that includes a confidentiality clause.

Speaking of confidentiality…

Keeping Secrets

What you say to me at my table stays with me. But if you bring someone with you, you are giving that person permission to hear everything. Many people choose to bring a friend—for support, to help them remember a reading, because it’s a bonding experience, etc.—but be careful who you choose.

I am often hired to do “tarot parties” for all kinds of different occasions. The first time I read at a bridal shower, I asked the mother of the bride where she wanted me to read. She led me into the middle of the living room. She requested that everyone who was being read do so in public so everyone could be a part of the readings. Of course, I’m thinking this is NOT a good idea, but it’s her house and her call. I guess guests could have declined, but she had thrown down the gauntlet and I don’t think anyone wanted to back down. Ego can be a powerful motivator.

Please understand when you pick up those cards, you never know where they might take you. And as my wife will tell you, I’m not a shy person. You see where I am going with this.

The Maid of Honor was up first, and right away I see her current relationship in the center of the layout as “The Lovers.” Apparently her boyfriend was very…well, quite satisfying in a physical way, to put not too fine a point on it.

Okay, so I’m the only man in this room filled with women and while I’m rarely at a loss for words, I’m trying to get the message across and not be too crude. So after a second or two, I come up with, “He’s really good, isn’t he?”

“Oooooh, YEAH!!!” she screams, and every woman in the place starts howling with laughter and approval. Whew! That was a close one.

The event went extremely well, but the moral of this story is that you should be careful about having a reading in front of others. A tarot reading is a private event for your ears only unless you choose to have others listen or share your reading with other people. If you do, pick someone who knows how to keep your secrets.

If you ever are a guest at an event where people want you to have a reading in a public forum like this one and you are uncomfortable with the idea, ask to be read in another room or at another time. And if you have a reader or psychic to your event, private readings are usually the way to go.

Please come over and take a look at my blog, and if you find it interesting I hope you’ll follow me. If you’d like to know more about me—I’m a Scorpio so I know curiosity!—you can check out my website. I would be honored to read for you, and hope you’ll consider me if you’d like some insight.